Nikola

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The hinge looks to be OK. However, I noticed the following: when the lid is being closed, apart from the vertical movement down to the body, it also shifts a tiny bit aside before snapping in place. I don't think it's normal. Another closer look inside made me think that it's the small hook that locks the lid is a bit loose. Hard to say how normal is this, because the hook is a moving part however... But the first thing I'd assume is the hook not working as it should: move it a tiny bit aside, and the spring pushes the lid open.

Hi I find it hard to keep the "door" of my Sharp DR470H (a.k.a. DR7) closed. Recently, the unit has become very sensitive to touch: sometimes even picking it up from the table gently with two fingers is enough for it to spring open. With the disk springing out, of course, and the warning beep. I suppose there's something wrong with the locking mechanism. And no, I did not treat it bad in any way - I keep it in a special soft bag on my belt. And it's only 18 months old. Needless to say, out of warranty. Did anyone have a similar problem? Is there something I should tweak instead of running to the nearest service center (and paying arm & a leg)? Thanks for any helping suggestions Nikola

Isn't it a good reason that SONY units should be *avoided*? No matter how well they would perform, or what featuses they might have.

Hi all Would anybody advise me, what are the parameters that I have to look at when choosing a mic? If two mics have output level -31 dB and -45 dB, which one is better? If their impedance is 1000 ohm and 600 ohm resp., which one is preferable? The only thing I know is the frequency range: the wider, the better. I see lots of microphones offered everywhere, and I can't choose which one is better for me. I've been recommended Sony ECM-MS907 - is it any good for live recording of music (as opposed to lectures/talking)? And yes - I'm located in Europe and importing from somewhere else (US) might be a problem (taxes etc) Any helping information would be appreciated.

Then I think that synchronized recording is for you. This means that your recorder pauses automatically when there's sinence, and resume recording when someone starts talking. Some recorders also have trace-back recording (always keeping the last X seconds in a buffer). Myself, I would heartfully recommend Sharp DR7 / DR470. But I'm prejudiced ;-)

Sure! Next weekend and the weekend after, there are interesting concerts around. I'll try to record them. ...if I manage to buy a mic by then (or borrow one)

Thanx for the reply. I ordered the DR470 (I was sort of inclined to get this one from the very beginning). Now I have to choose a microphone.

Hi I've just ordered my DR470 (brrr! no patience! Now I find it hard to choose a microphone. I know there are users of DR7 around - what do you guys plug in? I plan to record live music. For me *quality is an issue* and I'd be ready to spend some more bucks for a better mic. Shall I aim for an active or a passive one? What *type* should be better? Do I need a preamp? And is the impedance important? What impedance/sensitivity is considered good? Somewhere in the forum I read good words about Sony ECM MS907. Is it any good, or should I look for something else? (100Hz-15KHz does not sound quite convincing). I think for concerts cardoid mics are better, as the omni-directional are more likely to pick up side noise. Am I right? Sorry if you find this avalanche of questions boring - a suggestion to any sources would be greatly appreciated. I admit that I don't know anything about this matter. Thanx. Nikola

I'm not a specialist, but if you insist on quality rec, is the VU not essential? I mean, for regulating the rec level or so? Myself, I think I will order a DR470. Many people around recommend it as an excellent machine for live recs. Some say good things about the MT190 too

Hi I need an advice. Just to share a few thoughts before I rush to the local store. There are superb reviews about the three above mentioned models. I am sort of reluctant to get the MT880, because of the obligation to carry the remote everywhere (the main unit is stripped off many things). Besides, NetMD is cool, but I think I can do without it. I would do mainly live recs, and for the listening pleasure a real-time transfer would do. So, 770 or DR470H? The price is surprisingly the same (290 EUR). The DR470 is the European equivalent of the DR7, for which I read good things. I kinda cling to this one... BTW, where's MT200 compared to those three? (Mystyler often drops a good word about the 180-190-200 line;) ). Thanx for any helping suggestions.

Hi I see that for some units (Sharp MT880) the remote is an essential part, you cannot access a great deal of the functions without it. I remember having bad time with headphones. You know, twisting the cable while putting them in your pochet and all... finally some wire inside breaks and I hear only one channel. Not a big deal, I'd say, just go to the shop and buy a new decent pair. But suppose the same happens to the remote? After all, it's just a cable. Has anyone experienced such problem? How likely is this to happen? And the remedy? getting it fixed, or a new remote?